Do you suffer from endometriosis? Let's talk about surgery!

Are you tired of the severe lower abdominal pain , heavy bleeding , and unbearable back pain that comes every month? Only you know how much endometriosis affects your life. Sometimes it is very difficult to control this condition with medication alone. That is when you have to think about surgery. It is normal to feel a little scared when you hear this. But don't be afraid. Today, we will talk about this endometriosis surgery and find answers to all the questions you have in mind.

Simply put, what is endometriosis surgery?

It's very simple. Endometriosis is when the tissue that should be inside your uterus, the endometrium, grows outside the uterus, such as on your ovaries , fallopian tubes , or intestines . This unwanted tissue growth can cause severe pain, heavy bleeding, and even difficulty conceiving.

So, in endometriosis surgery, the doctor finds and surgically removes the tissue that has grown in the wrong places outside the uterus. This can help control your symptoms and prevent the disease from spreading further.

Is this a major operation? Should I be afraid?

No, most of the time it doesn't. This is the biggest problem for many people. In the past, this type of surgery was done as an open surgery, which involved making an incision in the abdomen. It was a really big operation. But now technology has advanced. Today, most people who need surgery for endometriosis do it using a method called laparoscopy .

So, get rid of the idea that this is a big, scary surgery. Now, let's look at these types of surgeries in a little more detail.

What are these types of surgeries?

There are two main surgical methods for removing endometriosis tissue. Let's look at the difference between the two.

Who really needs this surgery?

Okay, now you're probably thinking, "Do I need this?" This is something your doctor will decide. Usually, surgery is suggested for the following reasons:

• If you have chronic pelvic pain that lasts for a long time: If you have pain that cannot be controlled even with ordinary painkillers.
• If symptoms are not controlled by medication: If the hormone therapy or other medications you have been given are not providing relief from your pain.
• If you have infertility: Endometriosis is a major cause of infertility. Surgical removal of the unwanted tissue may increase the chances of pregnancy.
• If endometriosis tissue in the pelvic area needs to be removed: If these have been identified on scans.

How do you prepare before the operation?

Your doctor will give you clear instructions on this, but in general, it's a good idea to keep these things in mind.

• Go with someone you trust: Talk to a friend or family member and arrange to take you to the hospital and back home.
• Avoid eating and drinking: You will be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the surgery.
• Tell your doctor about your medications: If you are taking any medications, such as blood thinners, be sure to tell your doctor about them and ask if they need to be stopped before surgery.
• Avoid smoking: If you are a smoker, quitting at least three weeks before surgery will greatly help the healing process.
• Prepare at home: Since you will need to rest for a few days after surgery, keep liquids (such as light soups and jelly) ready to drink at home.

What actually happens during surgery?

As we talked about earlier, the majority of surgeries are now performed laparoscopically. So let's talk about that.

1. Anesthesia: First, an anesthesiologist will put you under general anesthesia. This means you won't feel any pain and will be sound asleep. They will monitor your heart rate and blood pressure throughout the surgery.

2. Small incision: Next, the surgeon makes a very small incision through your belly button (navel) or elsewhere in your abdomen.

3. Abdominal distension: To make the organs inside the abdomen more visible, a small amount of a harmless gas, such as carbon dioxide, is injected into the abdomen to inflate it. Don't worry, this will be removed after the surgery.

4. Inserting the laparoscope: Now a thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) is inserted through that small incision.

5. Tissue identification and removal: The doctor uses the images from this camera on a monitor to find the exact location of the endometriosis tissue. Then, special instruments are inserted through other small incisions and the tissue is carefully removed.

6. Finishing: After all the unnecessary tissue has been removed, the instruments and laparoscope are removed, and the small incisions are closed with stitches.

What happens after the operation? How long does it take to recover?

If you had laparoscopic surgery, you will probably be able to go home the same evening. But you will need to rest in the hospital for a few hours first. You may feel a little tired and fatigued for the first few days. This is normal. You can return to your normal activities after about two weeks. But for some people, it may take a little longer.

However, if you had to have an open surgery called a laparotomy, it is a major surgery and may take several weeks to heal. However, your doctor will give you a set of instructions that you need to follow after the surgery.

Does the pain really go away after surgery? Can it come back?

This is also a very important question. Many people experience significant pain relief after surgery. The quality of life is greatly improved.

But we have to be honest. Sometimes the pain can come back. According to studies, about 20% of people who have surgery may not have any relief from their pain and may need further treatment. Some of those who do have pain relief may have pain come back over time.

Why is this situation happening again?

There are three main reasons for this:

1. Severity of the disease at the time of surgery: How far the disease had spread when the surgery was first performed.

2. Completeness of the surgery: How well and completely the unwanted tissue was removed during the surgery.

3. Post-operative treatment: Whether or not to take medication, such as birth control pills, that contain hormones to suppress the function of the ovaries after surgery.

This is why it is important to stay in touch with your doctor and receive the necessary treatment after surgery.

Will this operation affect my ability to have children?

This is a big fear for many women. The good news is that in most cases, endometriosis surgery can increase your chances of getting pregnant naturally. Because the surgery removes the unwanted tissue around the fallopian tubes and ovaries, they can function normally again.

However, if you do not become pregnant within a reasonable period of time after surgery, there may not be much benefit from having another operation. In such cases, you should talk to your doctor about other treatment options.

What other symptoms should I talk to the doctor about?

Once you get home after surgery, it's important to pay attention to your body. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately .

Endometriosis is a painful, life-threatening condition. But you are not alone. There are treatments that can help you. If you think you have endometriosis, or are already receiving treatment, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor to determine what is best for you.